Mini tripod for 3D printing

Mini tripod for 3D printing

With the government pushing 3D printers, how long before we see schools 3D printing flat shapes to slot together or a pupil 3D printing a rectangular box they could have bought for half the price from RS or Rapid!

So what sort of projects make good use of 3D printers? How about a small folding tripod?

The attached model has a conventional 1/4 Whitworth thread bolt for mounting the camera. Some of you may be thinking "where is the design in this". Apart from redesigning the components, very few smart phones have a thread mount so challenge students to create an attachment that screws on to hold their smart phone.

The model hasn't been 3D printed yet so if you have a 3D printer and could print a set of parts to check everything works that would be great. Better still if someone could print and send me a set of parts that would be fantastic! Would anyone with a 3D printer be interested in co-writing an article for D&TA?

Re: Mini tripod for 3D printing

Tim - I've just had a look at your model...

I was going to attempt a print from my single extruder Rapman but due to the overhangs on parts and lack of flat base surfaces it wont be possible.

The design of your parts is only suitable for a fused deposition modeller that has a support material extruder (something like PLA that can be washed away in lye) as well as the model material extruder (ABS).

It would print fine from a granular materials binding type machine like a Zprinter but not many schools have those.

Re: Mini tripod for 3D printing

James, many thanks for the feedback. I can see how the legs and central boss could have one side flat so no support material needed. Do you think the external thread would build properly? The cap could have a perfectly flat top for building upside down but the thread may still be the problem.

The Cube and UP! use build plastic as support but with tiny attachment points. Does the Rapman have that facility?

Do you think it would be worthwhile collating what comes in to produce guidance notes for students on modelling for the capabilities of the different machines and, advice for schools purchasing 3D printers? The problem with the latter is we don;t have access to all the technologies and the rate new printers are coming out.

Re: Mini tripod for 3D printing

There is a new DFE initiative to supply a number of 3D printers to Teaching Schools. This will need some training in the use of 3D CAD and support resources as Tim suggests. D&TA already have this on the radar!

Re: Mini tripod for 3D printing

I've been test printing the central boss this morning. I found that KISSslicer does enable a less dense support material with one extruder. The settings I used were too "dense" though so the support got stuck in the thread! I think it will print without support. I'll set it running again later.

Re: Mini tripod for 3D printing

Don't be too envious, the DfE funded 20+ printers for the pilot schools and has promised printers for the teaching schools taking over from ITT in universities. Most schools will have to fight for school budgets alongside other subjects or seek sponsorship.